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Polkadotpatch.com


Erica McNamara and Marianne Mullen, who are "cross-the-street" neighbors in Barre, have joined forces to sell children's clothing and accessories that they describe as "bright and unique." Polkadotpatch.com was born of Mullen's experience selling online and McNamara's previous management experience. The two mothers shared a desire to dress their children (seven in all) in something other than the available children's clothing.

"We wanted bright colors, not pastels, not the stereo-typical, gender-biased clothes for girls with princesses, kitty cats, frills and lace, or the trucks, dinosaurs, rescue heroes or sports emblems for our boys." For infants, they searched for tiny garments that didn't shout "I'm a boy" or "I'm a girl." The philosophy of PolkadotPatch is also not to have miniaturized versions of women's clothing. For example, one wouldn't find the words "Foxy chick" on a little girl's t-shirt.

Initially they faced frustration in finding styles that were bold, colorful and whimsical. In their desire to support Vermont craftspeople and the local economy, the two have discovered amazing talent here. They currently carry the products of six Vermont artisans and hope eventually to have about 20 Vermont vendors (in addition to specially chosen products from elsewhere).

Inside Out is a Newport company that makes coordinated pants sets (pants/shirts). The pants are reversible and each of the materials in the pants is duplicated in the shirts on pockets or collars. Bears 'n Things in Highgate Center creates handmade teddy bears. From Robin's Hoods in Eden they have animal characters hats such as a duck, a bunny, and a pig, flower hats, and a strawberry cap. In Plainfield, Keenan's Kreations makes children's jewelry out of polymer clay beads and Swaravski crystal into bracelets and necklaces. Prudy's in Richford provies hand-knit crocheted skirts, ponchos, hats, and pocketbooks, and Ladybug Corner Designs i sthe source for hand-painted wooden wall letters. A "D" may have a dragonfly on it while a caterpillar decorates the "C." A few of the other companies represented are ZaZa Couture, Zutano, Faigie's Tees, Cheshire Cat and Cow & Lizard.

The website provides information on materials, vendors, "the Patch" philosophy and more. The prices in clothing range from about $15 to about $100 and go to size 4T.

 

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